Butcher Brown

With the JMU Jazz Ensemble

FRI, SEP 22
WILSON HALL

2023-07-06-butcher-brown-419

Butcher Brown

With the JMU Jazz Ensemble

FRI, SEP 22
WILSON HALL


Drawing inspiration from elements of funk, soul and rock, Butcher Brown’s music is a Southern-leaning, sometimes psychedelic fusion that feels fresh yet familiar. Working within and defying genre conventions, they are a jazz festival mainstay, with their latest album deconstructing big band jazz and reshaping it in the band’s more eclectic image. Contains adult language.
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Mike Super

Magic & Illusion

SAT, SEP 30
WILSON HALL

2023-07-06-butcher-brown-419

Mike Super

Magic & Illusion

SAT, SEP 30
WILSON HALL


As the winner of NBC’s hit show Phenomenon, a finalist on America’s Got Talent, and a featured magician on Penn & Teller’s: Fool Us, Mike Super is the only magician in history to win a live magic competition on primetime U.S. network TV and be voted America’s Favorite Mystifier. Enjoy this family-friendly performance filled with illusions, intrigue, danger, anticipation, and excitement! 

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Sphinx Virtuosi

SAT, OCT 7
CONCERT HALL

2023-07-06-butcher-brown-419

Sphinx Virtuosi

SAT, OCT 7
CONCERT HALL


Sphinx Virtuosi is the nation’s most dynamic, exhilarating self-conducted professional chamber orchestra comprised of eighteen of the nation’s top Black and Latinx classical soloists. “True to their name, the Sphinx Virtuosi call up…immeasurable power, unwavering command, and soulful beauty” (The Washington Post) through artistic excellence and pioneering programming.  Their sell-out performances at venues like Carnegie Hall have garnered high praise.
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Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

THU, OCT 26
CONCERT HALL


With the combined power of a dozen musicians with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini, the self-described “little orchestra” performs a rollicking cross-genre mix of classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop. Since 1994 the group has built a monstrous fan base and has sold over 3 million albums. With performances from the Cannes Film Festival, the Hollywood Bowl, and the grand opening of Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall to late-night television with David Letterman, their shows sell out all over the world!
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All Things Equal – The Life and Trials Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Rupert Holmes

WED-THU, NOV 1-2
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-07-06-all-things-equal

All Things Equal – The Life and Trials Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

By Rupert Holmes

WED-THU, NOV 1-2
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


All Things Equal - The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a new play by multiple-Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes, is a fascinating and humorous portrayal of the Supreme Court Justice, a true American original. It is an intimate look at RBG’s life and trials: being one of only nine young women studying law at Harvard while also raising a daughter and helping her husband battle cancer, fighting for women's rights in the 1970s before all-male courts, and taking courageous stands for human rights amid an increasingly politicized Supreme Court.
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Anon(ymous)
By Naomi Iizuka

TUE-SUN, NOV 7-12
STUDIO THEATRE

2023-07-06-all-things-equal

Anon(ymous)
By Naomi Iizuka

TUE-SUN, NOV 7-12
STUDIO THEATRE


Separated from his mother, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people — some kind, some dangerous and cruel — as he searches for his family. At a time when our country is wrestling with the issue of immigration reform, Anon(ymous) offers an insightful look at the topic in this compelling theatrical work by one of America’s finest contemporary playwrights. Featuring students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance.
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The Fall Of The House Of Usher

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

Music by Philip Glass
Libretto by Arthur Yorinks
Based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe

FRI-SUN, NOV 10-12
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-07-06-all-things-equal

The Fall Of The House Of Usher

Featuring the JMU Opera Theater

Music by Philip Glass
Libretto by Arthur Yorinks
Based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe

FRI-SUN, NOV 10-12
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Premiering in 1988, The Fall of the House of Usher is one of composer Philip Glass’ most popular operas, with hauntingly beautiful music that captures every nuance and blood-curdling nerve of Edgar Allan Poe’s story. American opera's most influential 20th-century composer has transformed a gothic tale by a 19th-century master of the macabre and the result is spellbinding! Contains adult content.
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Be transported by this soul-stirring evening featuring one of the brightest and most prolific groups on the gospel scene! Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar have carved a unique place for themselves in the music industry through soul-stirring arrangements of contemporary gospel, musical theater, and pop favorites. With millions of online views and voices spread to the corners of the earth, the ensemble bursts onto the stage with expressive vocal style, awe-inspiring original arrangements, and opulent harmonies.
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Dancescapes

Featuring JMU’s Virginia Repertory Dance Company

FRI-SUN, DEC 1-3
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-07-06-all-things-equal

Dancescapes

Featuring JMU’s Virginia Repertory Dance Company

FRI-SUN, DEC 1-3
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


This exciting evening will explore contemporary dance at its finest, featuring members of the Virginia Repertory Dance Company, a work from world-renowned artist Lucinda Childs and a work collaborating with the Furious Flower Poetry Center. Directed by Associate Dance Professor, Matt Pardo, Dancescapes also features world premieres by guest artists from across the country including Norbert De La Cruz and Brandi Coleman. 
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HolidayFest

Light From The Darkness

SAT-SUN, DEC 9-10
CONCERT HALL

2023-07-06-all-things-equal

HolidayFest

Light From The Darkness

SAT-SUN, DEC 9-10
CONCERT HALL


Sit back and enjoy a celebratory performance by The Madison Singers, the JMU Chorale, and the JMU Symphony Orchestra. HolidayFest features Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s most popular mass, Midnight Mass for Christmas (Messe de Minuit pour Noël, H. 9). Dynamically refined with structural, harmonic, and instrumental finesse, Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit is an excellent example of 17th-century musical craftsmanship. The evening also features our traditional holiday sing-along and a special reading by a Harrisonburg celebrity. Don’t miss one of the Valley’s favorite concerts!
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American singer-songwriter legends, Karla Bonoff and Livingston Taylor present a magical night of music! They share their own fan favorites, and then sing a few holiday tunes together to celebrate the season. Bonoff is one of the finest singer-songwriters of her generation with a career spanning more than four decades. Taylor is a natural performer with top-40 hits like I Will Be in Love with You and I'll Come Running. His upbeat storytelling and songs will touch your heart!
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DRUM TAO

FRI, JAN 19
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-12-13-bonoff-taylor

DRUM TAO

FRI, JAN 19
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


DRUM TAO is an international phenomenon that has reached over 9 million spectators featuring the world’s top taiko drummers! While honoring the ancient Japanese art form, they embark on an astonishing rhythmic adventure performing incredible feats on a variety of drums (some weighing up to 3 tons) and other instruments including marimba, flute, and harp.
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Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live!

SUN, JAN 28
WILSON HALL

2024-01-28-earth-419

Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live!

SUN, JAN 28
WILSON HALL


Get ready for the ultimate playdate when you meet a collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures that will thrill and teach audiences of all ages brought to life by a skilled team of puppeteers! You cannot miss a moment of this exciting show with over 19 dinosaurs including Triceratops, T Rex, and more.
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Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

The National Orchestra Of Bulgaria
Nayden Tadorov, Principal Conductor

SAT, FEB 3
CONCERT HALL

2024-01-28-earth-419

Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra

The National Orchestra Of Bulgaria
Nayden Tadorov, Principal Conductor

SAT, FEB 3
CONCERT HALL


The Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra has established itself as Bulgaria’s most illustrious musical institution while touring the world and garnering excellent reviews. Don't miss this epic all-Beethoven Concert from one of one of the world's finest ensembles featuring the Coriolan Overture, Op. 62, the Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58, and the Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, Op. 55.
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Chelsey Green and The Green Project

FRI, FEB 9
CONCERT HALL


Experience a fresh approach to music fusion with Chelsey Green and The Green Project! Described as passionate, electrifying, and innovative, these Billboard-charting international recording artists break down traditional string playing by melding classical technique with popular songs and original pieces – bringing violin, viola and rich vocals to audiences in a whole new way.
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American Horn Quartet

SAT, FEB 17
CONCERT HALL

2024-02-09-chelsey-419

American Horn Quartet

SAT, FEB 17
CONCERT HALL


Maintaining the highest standards of artistry and technical mastery, Amereican Horn Quartet are all successful soloists winning top international competitions and featured at music festivals around the globe. They have also appeared with various symphony orchestras like the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Philharmonica Hungarica, and the Bordeaux Aquitaine Symphony Orchestra in France to name a few.
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The SpongeBob Musical

Based On The Series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book by Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I.
And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley
Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton / Additional Music by Tom Kitt
Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

TUE-SUN, FEB 27-MAR 3
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2024-02-09-chelsey-419

The SpongeBob Musical

Based On The Series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book by Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau

Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I.
And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley
Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton / Additional Music by Tom Kitt
Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

TUE-SUN, FEB 27-MAR 3
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! This deep-sea pearl of a show is set to make a splash with audiences young and old. Featuring students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance and School of Music.
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International Guitar Night (IGN) celebrates 24 years as the world’s premier touring guitar festival, bringing together four amazingly gifted luminaries to share an incredible evening of solos, duets, and quartets that highlight the diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. IGN is a gathering of individuals who captivate on their own and then blow away the audience when they perform together!
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tenThing Brass Ensemble

SUN, MAR 3
CONCERT HALL

2024-02-27-ign-419

tenThing Brass Ensemble

SUN, MAR 3
CONCERT HALL


Prepare to be blown away by tenThing, the awe-inspiring all-female Norwegian brass ensemble. Celebrated for their diverse repertoire with luxurious original arrangements that spans from Mozart to Weill, Grig to Bernstein, and Lully to Bartok, they have soared to international prominence. Touring the world, they are charting a vibrant new course for traditional brass bands, appealing to young and old alike with their immersive shows and remarkable sound!
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Call Of The Wild: Illustrated Edition

Based on the book by Jack London

Adapted by Jason Tremblay
Performed by Noel Gaulin
Produced by Theatre Heroes, Austin, Texas

THU, MAR 7
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-07-06-call-419

Call Of The Wild: Illustrated Edition

Based on the book by Jack London

Adapted by Jason Tremblay
Performed by Noel Gaulin
Produced by Theatre Heroes, Austin, Texas

THU, MAR 7
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Jack London’s classic tale comes to life in this multi-media adventure with engaging storytelling, projected illustrations, and original music. This thrilling edge-of-your-seat tale of courage and survival features acclaimed actor Noel Gaulin and a stunning array of illustrations from the book’s first edition, period photographs, and more! Recommended for ages 8 and up.
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Kitka

FRI, MAR 22
CONCERT HALL

2023-07-06-call-419

Kitka

FRI, MAR 22
CONCERT HALL


A woman's vocal ensemble like no other, the critically acclaimed Kitka blends contemporary sensibility with specialized vocal techniques from Eastern Europe that have been distilled over centuries. Using only the pure unaccompanied voice, they create a constantly shifting landscape of beautiful sound.  Kitka has “amazing harmonies…this is the most wonderful singing I have ever heard.” (David Crosby, CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH) They have produced 14 critically acclaimed recordings, and a PBS television special.
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Movie Musical Magic

SAT, MAR 23
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-07-06-call-419

Movie Musical Magic

SAT, MAR 23
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Be ready to tap your feet, clap, and sing along in this effervescent musical theatre revue featuring songs you know and love from your favorite Disney, Pixar, and other classic family movies. This one-hour show is perfect for audiences of all ages and features new songs every year, performed by our JMU musical theatre students. *The 2 pm show is a sensory-friendly performance.
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New Voices In Dance

Featuring JMU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble

FRI-SUN, APR 5-7
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2023-07-06-call-419

New Voices In Dance

Featuring JMU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble

FRI-SUN, APR 5-7
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Prepare to be awed by a wonderful and creative performance of dance in this inspiring show featuring JMU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble honoring original choreography by JMU dance majors who are up-and-coming “new voices” in dance. The concert also includes student performances in guest artist and faculty work. 
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Riders To The Sea by Vaughn Williams
Suor Angelica by Puccini

Featuring The JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, APR 6-7
CONCERT HALL

2023-07-06-call-419

Riders To The Sea by Vaughn Williams
Suor Angelica by Puccini

Featuring The JMU Opera Theater

SAT-SUN, APR 6-7
CONCERT HALL


Experience an amazing performance of opera featuring two one-acts including Riders to the Sea and Suor Angelica. Riders to the Sea deals with themes of existentialism, fatalism, and conflicts between tradition and modernity while Suor Angelica reflects a sentimental tale of tragedy and is Giacomo Puccini's only work written for women’s voices.
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The Birds
A Modern Adaptation Of Aristophanes’ Comedy

By Yvette Nolan

TUE-SUN, APR 9-14
STUDIO THEATRE

2023-07-06-call-419

The Birds
A Modern Adaptation Of Aristophanes’ Comedy

By Yvette Nolan

TUE-SUN, APR 9-14
STUDIO THEATRE


In The Birds, acclaimed Indigenous playwright Yvette Nolan has potently adapted Aristophanes’ classic comedy that follows two humans seeking freedom and a better way of life as they travel to the fabled land of birds. Nolan’s adaptation examines the Indigenous / settler relationship and respect for the land with insightful wit and lasting resonance. The guest director is award-winning director, Reneltta Arluk, and features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance.
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Boca Tuya

SAT-SUN, APR 13-14
EARLYNN J. MILLER DANCE THEATRE

2024-04-13-boca-419

Boca Tuya

SAT-SUN, APR 13-14
EARLYNN J. MILLER DANCE THEATRE


Don’t miss this extraordinary dance experience! Boca Tuya is the New York-based dance incubator led by acclaimed choreographer Omar Román De Jesús, a 2023 Baryshnikov Arts Center inaugural fellow at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, a 2022 Princess Grace Award winner and a 2022 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellow in Choreography. Román De Jesús has a gift for creating captivating works that reflect his cultural heritage while highlighting rhythmic narratives through classical and contemporary dance forms, driven by an inventive movement vocabulary. 

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JMU Symphony Honors Concert

SUN, APR 21
CONCERT HALL

2024-04-13-boca-419

JMU Symphony Honors Concert

SUN, APR 21
CONCERT HALL


Revel in the delightful sound of glorious classical music as JMU’s Symphony Orchestra joins the winners of the esteemed 2023 School of Music Concerto Competition to bring you a delightful concert. Majors from each of the five areas of the School (woodwinds, brass and percussion, strings, piano, and voice) compete. Two finalists are then selected to compete in the finals for a coveted spot in this concert.
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Dance Nation

By Clare Barron

TUE-SUN, APR 23-28
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2024-04-13-boca-419

Dance Nation

By Clare Barron

TUE-SUN, APR 23-28
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


In Clare Barron’s raucous pageant of ambition and ferocity, these young dancers in DANCE NATION have more than choreography on their minds, as every plié and jeté is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their power. The play examines the challenges and triumphs of growing up, coming of age, and finding one’s soul in the heat of it all and interrogates what “womanhood” is, and embodies a powerful release of rage, joy, and liberation. Contains adult language, adult and sexual content. Contains adult language, adult and sexual content.
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Letters Aloud

The Road to Fame

SAT, MAY 4
MAINSTAGE THEATRE

2024-05-04-letters

Letters Aloud

The Road to Fame

SAT, MAY 4
MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Traveling the country since 2014, Letters Aloud has been delighting audiences with thought-provoking, relevant, hopeful, and humorous stories told through the real voices of real people via their personal correspondence. Letters Aloud – The Road to Fame brings together letters from every era that chart the course of luminaries from their humble beginnings to fame and chronicle their achievements and surprising lessons learned. With a core of acclaimed actors, live musical accompaniment, and a dynamic media backdrop, Letters Aloud is guaranteed to inspire!
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The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts to Host Holiday Food Drive November 6 through December 15 Benefiting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

View the 2023-2024 Masterpiece Season Brochure on Issuu.com

Trey McLaughlin and  The Sounds of Zamar Nov. 16

Karla Bonoff and Livingston Taylor Together in Concert Dec. 13

International Guitar Night Feb. 27
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